Best Portable Sewing Machines in 2023

Portable sewing machines are extremely popular and convenient nowadays, as everyone loves to have a sewing machine under their hand any time they want. If you have an inspiration for sewing, you can work on your project when you want to do it, and it is not a necessity to wait until you have an opportunity to work with your stationary sewing machine.

Our team has reviewed over twenty different lightweight sewing machines to make up the list of the 7 best portable sewing machines.

Expert’s choices of best portable sewing machines

• JUKI TL-2000Qi Quilting and Sewing Machine;
• Brother CS6000i Quilting and Sewing Machine;
• Brother CS7000X Sewing Machine;
• SINGER 4432 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine;

• Janome 2212 Sewing Machine;
• Janome Arctic Crystal Sewing Machine;
• EverSewn Charlotte Sewing Machine.

Most portable sewing machines are less multi-functional than regular sewing machines, which is why you need to read the full version of our review to make up your own decision on these portable devices and select the best portable sewing machine that suits you the most.

Why portable sewing machines are important for quilters?

If you are a beginner in sewing, then portability may not be one of your priorities. On the other hand, in process of a sewing business, you might have known, that having an opportunity to take your sewing machine on a car trip is an awesome solution.

There are some arguments for having it:

• You can work wherever you are and whenever;
• It is possible now to work together on some quilting projects;
• To transport it between several homes;
• Visit sewing classes with that sewing machinery.

In general, these machines have more benefits than disadvantages, so if you value your convenience and want to have more opportunities in development in sewing, you need to think about it for sure.

The best features of portable sewing machines

Every regular machine and the portable sewing machine has its own peculiarities and some points you need to take a look at before buying it.

The most important quality of a portable machine is its weight. We can divide them into three main categories: lightweight, medium, and heavy. However, you should not immediately refuse to consider heavier models.

They have amazing performance results, so you can consider their transfer because of their capabilities.

So, in general, your sewing machine must perform such tasks like:

• coping with heavy fabrics;
• provide the tension adjustments;
• have an automatic needle threader;
• have enough sewing space;
• have a carrying handle.

There are lots of other different and useful functions in all portable sewing machines, but we will discuss them in paragraphs describing every model separately.

Juki TL-2000Qi sewing machine

This sewing machine that weighs 38 pounds makes you put in extra effort to move it from one place to another. However, at the same time, it can provide you with extra-class durability and power.

Its extension table provides you with additional space for sewing, it may be helpful for you when you work on some huge quilting projects. Besides, it can be handy while sewing a zipper in a pillow or Sew Ripstop Nylon Fabric.

To let this portable sewing machine prove that it is one of the best on the market now, you need just to set up the tension of your thread and the needle threader.

It has really professional sewing speed of 1,500 stitches per minute, which will help you to perform various projects of any possible difficulty. The sewing speed is really one of the most outstanding features portable sewing machines have nowadays.

Advantages and disadvantages of this Juki sewing machine

With this Juki sewing machine, you will be able to work with thick fabrics and any sort of heavy fabric.

What is more, this decision is one of the quietest and has less vibration in comparison with other machines. Less noise level may be another additional tool most machines would like to have.

An automatic thread cutter is also available for this Juki model, so it will improve the quality and speed of your work.

On the other hand, this sewing machine has its own disadvantages, and we need to talk about them. Two main problem may be its weight, so it may be a challenge to load the sewing machine into your car, and it may be rather complicated for beginners.

Brother CS6000i sewing machine

Thanks to its weight of 13 pounds this machine easily can be named a portable sewing machine. This Brother sewing machine offers us a wide variety of useful things to use despite its portability.

This sewing machine comes for you in a carrying case from hard plastic. What is more, it is available a big-sized working table to be attached, it will you an extra place to work on.

A high-resolution LCD screen will give you an opportunity to choose one of 70 built-in stitches. It has 9 presser feet and even a buttonhole foot.

Pros and cons this portable sewing machine has

The most significant pluses of this sewing machine are its drop-in bobbin and automatic needle threader. Moreover, you will receive a 25-year warranty on this portable sewing machine after its purchase.

The quiet operations process can be named as another benefit of this sewing machine, like in a previous machine from Juki. This mechanical sewing machine includes a built-in free arm.

This is one of the models sewing people of all skills love: beginners, amateurs, and professionals.

We can refer to minuses high cost of maintaining and repairing this portable sewing machine, as well as the working lights would be better to be brighter.

Brother CS7000X sewing machine

This issue is another Brother sewing machine. However, this version is a computerized model with a qualitative LCD screen that will allow you to choose something for you from 70 built-in stitches: from satin stitches to blind hem stitches. The stitch selection never was so easy and entertaining thanks to this screen.

In addition, you can transport and keep this 19-pound sewing machine with all included accessories in a hard plastic cover.

The working table makes it one of the best portable sewing machines for today.

The most important features CS7000X has

It is so easy to use and adjust stitch length and stitch width on this one of the best portable machines for beginners in sewing. Using this mini sewing machine you can work with thick fabrics and several layers of your fabric.

This model has thread cutter tension problems, so we recommend you maintain it well and not have this system degraded.

SINGER 4432 Heavy Duty

If you are looking for something that will suit heavy-duty sewing and conduct on other heavy-duty projects. This portable sewing machine with a high speed of 1,100 stitches per minute will be suitable for you to sew heavy fabric. In fact, this Singer 4432 is a bit heavier than model 2277 from Singer with an adjustable presser foot because of its heavy-duty metal frame.

However, this portable sewing machine will be fully secured thanks to its heavy-duty metal frame and then you might consider its purchase as a durable investment into your sewing business.

In the additional package of four presser feet are included a zipper foot, a needle plate, and a presser foot pedal.

The set of 32 basic stitches included 6 for normal sewing mode, 18 built-in stitches for construction purposes, 7 stretch stitches, and one for button sewing. An automatic needle threader together with a front-loading bobbin system will recede stitches straining when you are threading.

Advantages and disadvantages of this machine with automatic needle threader

This is one of the most convenient portable sewing types of machinery – in it, you will find twin needles and a free arm that can be removed in case of necessity. What is more, you have an opportunity to use reverse stitching mode too.

The tension system can be regulated as you need to have it. The working space is lightened with LED lights. Another benefit is that the stainless steel and an internal metal frame will protect your heavy-duty portable machine for 25 years of warranty.

Oppositely, this portable sewing machine has all of its needle positions on the left side of the machinery, which may be frustrating for some right-handed people. Bouncing bobbin is not the most pleasant thing you will have, but this is sort of something you can easily cope with.

Janome 2212 for portable sewing

Despite the fact that this portable sewing machine has only 12 built-in stitches, you can consider it the best portable sewing machine for beginners. This portable sewing machine with a well-known brand name all over the world is user-friendly and easy to learn.

This is might be the lightest portable sewing machine as it weighs 15.5 pounds and allows you to set up stitch length and stitch width parameters. Luckily, it is small enough and really portable that allows you to work on your sewing projects anywhere you are, all you need to do is plug in a power cord and start working.

Pros and cons of buying this Janome 2212

It is affordable enough to be your first sewing machine and be the best portable machine to learn the basics of stitching, quilting, and other techniques. As we said before, it is one of that machines are user-friendly and almost everyone has a chance to cope with it.

Despite all the positive characteristics of this machine, it has the main and, perhaps, the only drawback. The thing is, that it has a bobbin that can be jammed so easily. So it may take you time to learn how to work with it properly and maintain it well.

Janome Arctic Crystal

Model Arctic Crystal from Janome manufacturer might be the best portable sewing machine for those who are on a tight budget. With its removable free arm, it will an ideal option for beginners who want to start sewing.

In this sewing machine, there are 15 built-in stitches and a front-loading bobbin system will make your project unique and not similar to other ones.

Everyone likes that pieces of fabric will be fed smoothly because of an advanced 3-piece feeding system. What is more, on the back side of that embroidery machine you can find a special reverse layer that should be held to do reverse stitching.

Two spools with threads can be placed in two retractable spool pins. Unluckily, in this model, you will not find an automatic needle threader.

Four presser feet are used to make customization of your works. Also, there are a buttonhole foot, a zipper foot, and a foot for blind hemming.

You can learn how to use this best portable sewing machine, if you value money, by watching special video tutorials or reading manuals and guides that you can find in its package. What is more, a 25-year warranty for this model is also available, so it may be a good bonus for its maintenance and fixing it.

Pluses and minuses of Janome Arctic Crystal

Well, Arctic Crystal’s bright design and a wide choice of colors can be mentioned as one of the most interesting features this machine has despite its portability, of course. What is more, producing qualitative and long-living stitches is even more important nowadays. Fortunately, every best portable machine from our list offers it, and this model is not an exception.

The absence of an automatic thread cutter and LCD screen can be considered to be the main minuses this model has. However, it is okay for the best portable sewing machine for a low price.

EverSewn Charlotte

This is the final model in our list of the best portable sewing machines. And 13 pounds EverSewn with pretty cool LCD screen can wander you as previous models from this our top.

Computerized Charlotte has a metal frame, 70 built-in stitches, and a solid speed rating of 650 stitches per minute. What is more, it has a pretty and neat design which is one of the most loved sewing machine designs by women all over the world.

The width of the stitch can be tuned up to 7 millimeters. With its weight, size, and functions it will become a good machine for beginners and travelers.

Its set is rather standard and includes all the basic things you need: seven presser feet, a stitch for satin, a stitch for blind hemming, an overcasting stitch, and button sewing.

You can choose your mode and adjust the speed you are comfortable working with by pressing intuitively-clear buttons on the dial you have on it. Feed dogs can be regulated, you can lower or increase them, to make the best embroidery and sewing variant for your project.

Now take a look at its high-resolution screen. As in all previous models described above, it is LCD. Thanks to this screen, selecting the length and style of your stitches is easy and possible. There is no foot pedal here, instead of it, you will find a Start/Stop button.

Another useful peculiarity is that a real-time saver allows you to save threading and sewing functions, so there will be no need to set up it again when you continue working.

Free arm length is 163 millimeters, so it is easy to work on various complicated areas your fabric has. Monitoring supplies of your thread supply are available thanks to the easy-to-load bobbin and its clear covers. Two spool holders and three needles also come with this sewing machine model.

If you have some questions or just want to know some more about your EverSewn Charlotte, check out the quilting guide and a card with stitch patterns. A limited 25-year warranty is of course available for it.

Most liked and disliked features of this machinery

This one can be named the best portable sewing machine because of:

• its compactness;
• easy to use;
• screen and computerized features;
• wide variety of stitches to use.

At the same, most people are frustrated because of its attachable card with stitch schemes on it.

Conclusions

In this article, we have reviewed the best portable sewing machines to buy right now. Of course, it is recommended to consider its purchase and after that take a look at some portable models.

Actually, portable sewing machines have lots of useful functions and features. Some of them are their portability, lightness, and ease of use. If you want to read the full list of portable machines, we advise you to take a look at the beginning of this review.

All in all, there is a wide variety of portable sewing machinery in this material to choose from. But you need to conduct your own research before buying any of the featured portable sewing machines or some other model.

We have introduced you to the main and general information you need to start considering the purchase of a certain model. If you want detailed information you would better contact the manufacturer.

Hope we have answered all the questions you had before reading this article and you managed to choose the most suitable model for yourself. Share this article with your friends or relatives who are also interested in finding an ideal portable sewing machine. Best wishes!

Helen Grant

Hello! My name is Helen Grant. I am glad to welcome you on my site about sewing. If you came here then you are probably interested in the sewing craft and everything connected with it. On my site you will find visual aids for sewing, subtleties and secrets. I worked as a seamstress for a long time and helped a lot of girls to master this profession in my footsteps. All who used my personal secrets, life hacks, now have an excellent reputation, have reached great heights and independently conduct master classes for beginners. If you are interested in the topic of sewing, sewing life hacks, as well as detailed analyzes of sewing machines and materials, then you are definitely in the right place!